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Weatherford College board approves 2014-15 budget, tax rate

8/28/14 —

The Weatherford College Board of Trustees approved the 2014-15 budget and tax rate during a called board meeting Thursday afternoon.

“The board’s action today demonstrates their continued support of both the employees of Weatherford College and the tax payers of Parker County,” said WC President Dr. Kevin Eaton. “Despite having one of the lowest tax rates in the state, Weatherford College has consistently outperformed its peers. As I have said many times before, it is an honor to work with the best college employees in the state.”

At $54.7 million, the budget is balanced and was presented to the board with no changes from their last meeting. The budget includes a 3.75 percent pay increase for full time college employees and a $25 per credit hour increase for adjunct instructors.

The tax rate will remain unchanged at 11.464 cents per $100 valuation. This rate includes 10.741 cents for maintenance and operations expenses and 0.723 cents for debt services. Two public hearings were held on a tax revenue increase since, due to an increase in property values, Weatherford College will receive about $400,000 more in revenue in the coming fiscal year compared to 2013-14. No one spoke during either public hearing.

While the board unanimously approved the budget, the tax rate passed 5-1 with Joel Watson opposing. Board member Dr. Trev Dixon was not present.

Approved increasing the number of credit hours in the phlebotomy curriculum from 10 to 16 in order for students to receive a WECM (Workforce Education Course Manual) certificate and become eligible for federal financial aid;